A Saami Requiem
A Saami Requiem is an extraordinary meeting-place of musical cultures – western classical, Sámi yoik, Nordic folk-dance, electric rock, blues, improv and more. It takes the form of a journey to Saajva, the Kingdom of Death in Sámi religious practice. With it the Swedish organist Gunnar Idenstam and Sámi artist Ola Stinnerbom provide a parallel to the Christian Requiem, with Ola Stinnerbom as Noite, the shaman who acts as guide to the Kingdom of Death – and back to this life, celebrated in the uplifting closing hymn. Some of the percussion sounds are sampled from traditional Sámi drums made by Ola Stinnerbom after ancient models; the electric guitars provide a link to rock groups like Deep Purple and King Crimson; and Gunnar Idenstam’s unmistakable style marries the French organ tradition with the alluring world of Swedish folk-music.
Ola Stinnerbom, yoik (Tracks 2–14)
Gunnar Idenstam, organ (Tracks 1–7, 9–14)
Henrietta Wallberg, vocalist (Tracks 7, 8, 10)
Erik Weissglas, guitars (Tracks 3–6, 9, 12–14)
Rafael Sida Huizar, percussion (Tracks 3–6, 8, 10–14)
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Part I: The Journey
- Entrée
- Requiem aeternam
- Misterioso
- Blues Yoik in C
- Pols Yoik
- Saaiva – The Door to the Kingdom of Death
- Mirrored Chorale
- Percussion Meditation
- Adagio
- Jaamie Ahkka´s Death Yoik
- The Return Voyage
- Back in this World
- Blues Yoik in E
- Epilogue and Hymn (‘Transports de Joie’)
Part II: The Kingdom of Death
Part III: The Return
FIRST RECORDING, LIVE
MusicWeb International :
‘Stinnerbom and Idenstam are totally committed to the concept and give their all in this performance. Their collaborators contribute their talents successfully as well, although the full effect may only be achievable by attending a live performance. The recording is excellent, with a wide dynamic range and good balances. Despite the unusual combination of performers, no one is left unheard[…].
If this collision of musical worlds intrigues you, A Saami Requiem will reward your curiosity. If you are on the fence, as I was, about such a project, take the risk. Some aspect of its creativity will capture your attention.’
—Christopher Little, MusicWeb International
Arcana.FM :
‘The outcome is rarely less than engaging in content and sometimes much more so. […]
Is it recommended?
It is, and not least on account of its amalgamation of traditional with composed music such as leaves a tangible emotional resonance. Idenstam and Stinnerbom’s succinct annotations cover the background to this project and take the listener deftly yet surely through its various stages.’
—Richard Whitehouse, Arcana.FM
Klassisk Musikk :
‘Gjennom det hele høres selvfølgelig Stinnerboms eksepsjonelle vokale prestasjoner. En dyp guttural blanding av sang og deklamasjon, som utgravd fra en mørk, underjordisk gruve. Jeg tenker det kunne vært interessant å høre ham synge Alberich (i Wagners Nibelungenring, red. anm). Fremførelsene er fantastiske og fortjener langt mer enn den halvhjertede applausen til slutt. Vær så god – legg til deres egen.’
English translation:
‘Throughout it all, of course, Stinnerbom’s exceptional vocal performance is heard. A deep guttural mix of singing and declamation, as if dug from a dark, underground mine. I think it would have been interesting to hear him sing Alberich (in Wagner’s Ring of the Nibelungs, ed. note). The performances are fantastic and deserve far more than the half-hearted applause at the end. Please – add your own.’
—Guy Rickards, Klassisk Musikk